3 Island Luxury Cruise with 4 Swimming Stops with Captain Morgan

Pack your swimwear, not your watch. Captain Morgan’s seven-hour cruise from Kos combines small-island stops, four chances to swim, a BBQ lunch, dolphin watching, and a lively soundtrack for $32.89 per person. I like the strong value and the friendly crew, especially when the trip is running at its best.

I also like the mix of quiet coves and cheerful deck entertainment. You can wander through tiny island ports, swim in clear water, and later join the singing and dancing. The main drawback is crowding: with up to 200 people aboard, outside seating can disappear early, and the mood may feel more like a party cruise than a peaceful sailing day.

At a glance: what makes this cruise worth considering

• Four swimming opportunities: Swim at Pserimos, Vathi, a second Pserimos stop, and Plati.
• Dolphin watching off Kalymnos: Sightings are not guaranteed, but several outings have seen dolphins, sometimes more than once.
• Fresh BBQ lunch included: The meal includes options such as souvlaki, bread, and salad, with vegetarian and vegan meals available by request.
• A lively crew-led atmosphere: Music, singing, dancing, birthday celebrations, and even the occasional proposal can make the return trip feel like a floating party.
• Good value at $32.89: The price covers a full day at sea, lunch, island stops, and use of the onboard restroom.
• Arrive early for a better seat: Meet the boat at least 30 minutes before the 9:45 am departure, since outdoor seats can fill quickly.

Leaving Kos at 9:45 am

The cruise begins at Kos Cruise Experts Port in Kos Town. You should arrive directly at the vessel by 9:15 am at the latest. This is not just a polite suggestion. Early boarding gives you time to select a seat before the boat fills and lets the crew complete boarding without a last-minute rush.

The boat has both indoor and outdoor seating, plus a restroom. The vessel is described as clean and fairly new, and many people praise the tidy facilities. Still, seating is the issue to understand before booking. Some passengers reserve outdoor places with towels or bags, even though the crew says seats are not meant to be held that way.

If you board late, you may find yourself inside for much of the trip. That is not automatically unpleasant, especially if the sun is strong, but some people have disliked the lower deck because of limited views and a diesel smell. Families with young children should think carefully about this point.

The first stretch out of Kos can be a little rocky, particularly while leaving or returning to Kos Town. Once the boat is moving in open water, the ride is usually smoother. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where you can see the horizon and keep the first part of the trip light.

Pserimos: a small port and your first swim

The first stop is Pserimos, a tiny island with a sandy beach and a small port. You have about 45 minutes here, enough for a short walk, photographs, and a first swim in the clear water.

Pserimos works well as an opening stop because it quickly gives you the island feeling this cruise promises. The port is small, the pace is easy, and the beach is close to the landing area. You do not need a long hike or a complicated plan. Step ashore, look around, and get in the water if conditions suit you.

The time is short, so avoid trying to do everything. If swimming is your priority, head straight for the beach. If you prefer to walk around, stay near the port and enjoy the view rather than spending the entire stop searching for a distant sight.

One practical warning concerns food bought ashore. An ice cream sold at the first island stop caused stomach trouble for one passenger. That does not make every local snack a problem, but I would be cautious with anything that looks poorly stored, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. The cruise includes lunch later, so you do not need to take a food risk here.

Vathi: local flavors before lunch on board

Vathi, also written as Vathy, brings a different experience. Instead of only a beach stop, you visit a small port and may walk into town to see local sponges, honey, and orange juice. There is also time to swim, have a snack, or browse a local shop.

The sponge displays give this stop a useful local detail rather than another quick photo opportunity. The visit remains short, about one hour, but it is enough to see the port, sample a few local flavors, and return without feeling rushed.

I would treat Vathi as a gentle walking stop, not a full cultural tour. The schedule does not allow for long shopping sessions or extensive sightseeing. Keep track of the time, especially if you stop at the sponge shop or sit down for a snack.

Once everyone is back aboard, the crew serves lunch. The BBQ meal has been praised for its fresh taste, with souvlaki, bread, and salad among the foods served. Vegetarian and vegan choices are available on request, so make that request when booking rather than waiting until the food is being handed out.

Lunch adds real value to the ticket. A full day on the water can become expensive if you must buy every meal, so having the main meal included keeps the total cost under control. Snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are not included, though drinks are sold on board. Alcohol is served only to people aged 18 and above.

Kalymnos and the dolphin search

The Kalymnos portion is not a port visit. The boat heads off the coast for a 20-minute dolphin-watching safari. The crew searches for dolphins and hopes to give you a close look at splashes and playful movement.

This is the most unpredictable part of the day. Dolphins are wild animals, so no sighting can be promised. Several outings have been lucky, with dolphins appearing on one occasion or even two separate occasions. That makes the search exciting, but you should regard it as a bonus rather than the main reason to book.

If dolphins appear, your view will depend heavily on your seat. People outdoors have the clearest chance to see the action, while those below deck may struggle to look through windows or move into position. This is another reason to arrive early and claim a sensible place without blocking anyone else.

The crew appears to put real effort into making the search fun, even when the animals do not cooperate. Still, the stop itself lasts only about 20 minutes, so it is a brief wildlife moment rather than a long nature outing.

A second Pserimos stop for a slower swim

The second Pserimos stop is described as a surprise stop at another part of the island. You get about 30 minutes to relax or swim.

This stop is simple, and that is its appeal. After the port walks and dolphin search, you can focus on the sea. The short time means you should have your towel, mask, and sandals ready before the boat reaches shore or anchors.

A snorkel is not listed as part of the cruise equipment. One useful tip is to bring your own or buy an inexpensive kit from a local shop before departure. A basic kit may cost around €10, according to one detailed account, and it can make the swimming stops more rewarding when fish are visible.

Do not expect a long beach stay. The cruise covers several locations in one day, so each stop is a taste rather than a full afternoon at one beach. That variety is the point, but it also explains why some people find the schedule too tight.

Plati: clear water and small bays

The final swimming stop is Plati, where you can swim in clear water around small bays. You have about 45 minutes, making this one of the better chances to settle into the sea without needing to rush immediately.

Plati is likely to appeal most to people who care more about swimming than island shopping. Bring your mask, keep your camera protected, and use the time in the way that suits you. If you have spent the day taking photographs and walking, this is a good place to relax.

The cruise’s four swim stops are its strongest feature. You are not limited to one quick plunge between long stretches of sightseeing. At the same time, the repeated short stops may disappoint you if you want to stay in one cove for hours.

Music, dancing, and the Captain Morgan mood

The crew is a major part of the experience. Music plays on deck, and the entertainment includes singing, dancing, crowd participation, and pirate-themed touches. Ariel, the host described as a mermaid, receives special praise for keeping people involved without making the entertainment feel forced.

The atmosphere tends to build as the day goes on. The trip begins as a sightseeing and swimming cruise, then becomes more social on the way back to Kos. Birthday celebrations and a marriage proposal have even become part of the day’s memorable moments.

This is good news if you want more than a quiet boat ride. You can enjoy a drink, listen to music, and join in as much or as little as you like. The crew is often described as friendly, attentive, and willing to help.

It is less ideal if you want silence, personal space, or a calm luxury-yacht mood. The word luxury in the title should be understood in terms of the boat, service, and full-day format, not as a private or hushed cruise. With as many as 200 people, this is a social excursion.

Families can enjoy the trip, and some families with children have had a fine day. But one serious complaint involved small children being pushed around by adults before departure and families being left with poor seating options. I would not book this expecting a controlled family-only setting. For young children, arrive early and speak with the crew immediately about seating.

Food, drinks, and what to bring

The included BBQ lunch is one of the better features for the price. Souvlaki, bread, and salad have been well received, and the crew serves a meal prepared for the group. Vegetarian and vegan food can be arranged if requested ahead of time.

You pay extra for snacks, soda, and alcohol. Drink prices have generally been considered fair, and the boat offers a broad selection. Some outings have included happy-hour pricing, but you should not count on a particular promotion unless it is confirmed at booking.

Bring these basics:

• Swimsuit and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Waterproof protection for your phone
• Cash or a payment method for drinks and snacks
• A snorkel kit if you want to look for fish
• A light cover-up for the boat ride

You should also bring patience. Boarding, docking, and moving a large group between boat and shore takes time. The advertised seven hours includes travel time, so not all seven hours are spent swimming or walking around.

Is $32.89 a good deal?

At $32.89, this is a strong-value day out if you want several activities in one booking. You receive transport by boat, visits to Pserimos and Vathi, a dolphin search near Kalymnos, a second Pserimos stop, a Plati swim, lunch, entertainment, and a restroom on board.

The value becomes even better if you would otherwise pay separately for a meal and boat transport. The main tradeoff is comfort. You are paying for access to a busy group cruise, not a private charter with guaranteed deck space.

For many people, the low price makes the crowding easier to accept. If you care most about quiet, flexible timing, or spacious seating, a smaller boat may be worth the extra cost. If you want the most stops and the most activity for your money, Captain Morgan makes a persuasive case.

Who should book this Kos cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, solo adults, and families with older children who enjoy a social day on the water. It suits people who want to swim several times, see small island ports, eat lunch on board, and enjoy music without paying for a high-end private charter.

It is also a good choice if you like variety. In one day, you get beaches, walking, local products, possible dolphins, swimming coves, and a lively crew.

I would hesitate if you need guaranteed outdoor seating, dislike loud music, want a slow beach day, or are traveling with very young children who need calm and predictable space. The boat can feel full, and the party atmosphere is not a minor detail.

Booking, timing, and cancellation basics

The meeting point is Kos Cruise Experts Port in Kos Town, and the cruise returns there at about 5 pm. Plan carefully if you have an evening ferry, cruise departure, or other fixed appointment. One booking had to be changed because the passenger had scheduled a ship departure only 15 minutes after the tour’s expected return.

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can take part, but the operator can cancel for poor weather or if the minimum number of participants is not reached. In those cases, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, so keep your plans firm once the cutoff approaches.

Photography and recording may take place during the cruise for company promotion and documentation. Tell the crew before departure if you do not want to be photographed or recorded.

Final verdict: book it for fun, not solitude

Captain Morgan’s cruise offers a lot for the money: four swimming stops, small-island scenery, a filling lunch, clean facilities, possible dolphins, and a crew that knows how to keep the deck lively. The strongest praise goes to the staff, music, food, boat cleanliness, and overall value.

The weak point is space. An outing with up to 200 people can feel crowded, especially if outdoor seats are claimed early. The stops are also short, so you get a broad taste of the islands rather than long, unhurried visits.

Book this cruise if you want a sociable, good-value day at sea. Arrive 30 minutes early, bring a snorkel, protect your phone, and expect music and group energy. Choose a smaller boat instead if peace, space, and a relaxed family setting matter more than the number of stops.

FAQ

Where does the Captain Morgan cruise depart from?

It departs from Kos Cruise Experts Port in Kos Town, at Κως 853 00, Greece.

What time should I arrive?

The boat leaves at 9:45 am. You should meet the vessel at least 30 minutes before departure, no later than 9:15 am, for boarding and seat selection.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours and returns to the meeting point at about 5 pm. Travel time between stops is included in that duration.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Pserimos, Vathi, dolphin watching off Kalymnos, a second stop on Pserimos, and Plati.

How many swimming stops are included?

There are four swimming opportunities: the first Pserimos stop, Vathi, the second Pserimos stop, and Plati.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included. Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available on request.

Are drinks and snacks included?

No. Snacks, soda, and alcoholic beverages are not included. Drinks can be purchased on board, and alcohol is served only to people aged 18 and above.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. A restroom is available on board.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants may also lead to a refund or an alternative date or experience.